Sylvia Van Matre
November 22, 1938 - April 29, 2016
Obituary
Sylvia M. Van Matre, age 77 of rural Darlington, WI passed away Friday, April 29, 2016 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA. She was born November 22, 1938 in Darlington the daughter of Sylvan and Viola (Wells) Amenda. Sylvia graduated from Darlington High School in 1957. She was united in marriage to Jim R. Van Matre on July 20, 1957 in Monroe, WI. Sylvia lived in the Darlington area all of her life. She worked at Borge Instrument in Darlington for a few years. For 19 years Sylvia worked as a caseworker for Lafayette County Human Services.. She then went to work for World of Variety in Darlington until her health began to fail. Sylvia is survived by her husband Jim at home; three children: John (Susan) Van Matre of Darlington, and Michelle (Bugs) Eaton and Cindy (Kenny) Weiskircher both of rural Shullsburg; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one brother: Robert "Red" (Nancy) Amenda of Darlington. She was preceded in death by her parents; Sylvia was a member of the Ladies Aid in Fayette. She was a longtime 4-H Leader and Club Organizer. Sylvia was an avid bowler for many years, loved to crochet and was very proud of the afghans she made for all of her children and many of her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:30 A.M. at Fayette United Methodist Church (11013 County Highway F, Darlington) with Rev. Angela Steinhauer officiating. Burial will be in Fayette Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Sylvia's name.
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Memories
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Stephanie K Soper
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss. My relationship with Sylvia started when I was born. She was a dear friend of my mothers growing up..living next door to each other..and the friendship lasted a life time. I have so many memories of Sylvia..but especially on trail rides and the dances we had afterwards. I loved her laugh and her gentle ways. When i would see her ..always a great smile to see me and a little gab session we would have. She loved her children and grandchildren so much and loved to talk about them and shared them. This world lost a beautiful woman..and heaven gained an angel. She is one of those that left an imprint on my heart..and she will be very much missed by all of us. My love goes out to her family and thank you for sharing her with us all.
BH
Beth Hanley-Adams
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Saddens me to hear this. I grew up in Fayette so when it came to growing up and going to the Fayette Church Sylvia was one of the Church Ladies always present and eager to assist for any pot luck that was going on.. She was an integral part of the church goings on and always willing to lend a hand. Later on I got to work with her at World of Variety in Darlington....we always got along well and I enjoyed working with her. After she left WOV if she saw me anywhere while shopping she always made a point to say hello and have a conversation. Rest in Peace Sylvia!!
BB
Becky Beaumia
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I am so sad by this. I loved Sylvia . We worked for years together at World of variety. She used to make salsa and always gave my daughter some. I loved her humor, I loved her laugh. R.i.p dear friend.
GW
Gail White/Roberts
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Dear Jim and family, so sad to hear of Sylvia's passing. I talked to her at the Fayette Lord's Acre Auction last year, and she was so nice to visit with. My Aunt Betty (Miller/Doersam) loved Florence Amenda so; they were good friends for many years. We always used to talk about Sylvia's beautiful red hair. Blessings to all of the family - Gail White/Roberts
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Marjean Sutherland
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That smile and laugh - it will never be forgotten. When I started at Human Services Sylvia introduced me to the organization WSSA. She had been a member for years and had always wanted to go to their annual conference. I joined and we went to conference that year. This was the start of a wonderful friendship. We went to conference very year until her health started to fail and she retired. This organization became a very important part of my personal and professional life and I will be eternally thankful to Sylvia for this. She was one special lady who will be missed by so many. I am so sorry I will be unable to make services due to leaving for vacation on Saturday. My deepest sympathy to all of you and she will stay in all of our hearts forever. Marjean & Dave Sutherland
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Cookie Benson
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My sincere sympathy to Sylvia's family! Hold on to your memories!!Cookie Benson